We have been informed by Dr. Knox Long that the Target-of-Opportunity observations of the SU UMa-type cataclysmic variable VW Hyi with the FUSE satellite have been scheduled. According to Dr. Long, "FUSE has scheduled daily observations of VW Hyi beginning late in the week. We will observe every day for about 6 days and then once every 3-4 days through the end of August."

YOUR REGULAR OBSERVATIONS FROM NOW THROUGH AT LEAST THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER ARE CRUCIAL!

We recognize that there is a lot of cloudy weather at this time of year in the southern hemisphere, so each observation you can make is all the more precious.

In order to interpret the data that will be obtained with FUSE, it will be essential to have a dense optical light curve. VW Hyi is currently undergoing a supermaximum, as seen by the observations below that have been reported to the AAVSO. Coverage as the star declines to minimum, through minimum, and through any outbursts that occur during August is needed.

Alert Notices 305[2], 306[3], and 308[4] (please see for details) announced and discussed the request for optical monitoring of VW Hyi by Dr. Long and his colleagues.

We would like to ask two things of you:
- Please continue to observe VW Hyi at least once a night and report your observations to AAVSO Headquarters.
- Please notify Headquarters immediately if you see VW Hyi go into outburst.

The symbiotic variable prototype 2328+48 Z Andromedae is undergoing an outburst, according to observations reported to the AAVSO and shown below. In August 2001, Z And brightened to visual magnitude 8.9 and was above minimum until July 2002. In October 2002, Z And exhibited a smaller-amplitude oscillation, brightening to magnitude 9.9 and returning to minimum in April 2003.

Please use the AAVSO charts indicated below to observe Z And and report your observations to AAVSO Headquarters, being sure to indicate which comparison stars you used.

We encourage observers to submit observations via our web site (online data submission tool WebObs), or by email in AAVSO format to observations@aavso.org[8]. If you do not have AAVSO Observer Initials, please contact Headquarters so we may assign them to you. The answering machine at AAVSO Headquarters is on nights and weekends; use our charge-free number (888-802-STAR = 888-802-7827) to report your observations, or report them via fax (617-354-0665).

Many thanks for your valuable astronomical contributions and your efforts.